Bhojpuri Songs At Mumbai Railway Stations Spark Political Row; Prashant Kishor And Chirag Paswan Criticise MNS

Bhojpuri Chhath songs being played at Mumbai railway stations have ignited a political dispute, prompting criticism from Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor and Union Minister Chirag Paswan. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief, Raj Thackeray, has come under fire for his alleged promotion of regionalism for political advantage.

Kishor accused the BJP-led Maharashtra government of neglecting the interests of Hindi-speaking individuals, while Paswan claimed that Thackeray's actions were designed to garner electoral support.

The controversy started when MNS workers vehemently opposed the airing of Bhojpuri Chhath songs at Mumbai railway stations, compelling authorities to halt the broadcasts. In response, Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to foster a Marathi vs. North Indian divide ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Kishor took issue with Thackeray's remarks, stating that the politician targeted people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to capture media attention.

He also warned that Hindi-speaking individuals would hold the BJP responsible for any discrimination within Maharashtra.

Furthermore, Kishor criticized Thackeray for repeatedly altering his political stance to maintain relevance in the public eye. Paswan argued that honoring Marathi culture should not involve disregarding the customs of North Indians. He also contended that Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology did not endorse insulting North Indians or encouraging regionalism. Paswan urged the MNS to consider the achievements of its decades-long campaign focused on Marathi identity.